Which of the following factors can trigger hyperventilation?

(A) Low concentration of hydrogen ions in arterial blood.

(B) High partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

(C) High partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

(D) Low partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

(D) Low partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.

Explanation:

Hyperventilation is a condition in which a person suddenly begins to breathe very quickly. Healthy breathing is a balance between breathing oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. In hyperventilation this balance is disturbed because the person exhales more than inhales, leading to a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide in the body. The result of this is a low partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood.

Hyperventilation may be chronic or punctual; In the first case it is harder to detect and the breathing pattern requires more patience to be modified. When it is punctual, the consequences, that is, the symptoms, suddenly become more visible to oneself and therefore more frightening.